Armed convoys stand guard as other guards open the back of the carrier van in Guiyang, Guizhou Province on April 19. Photo: CFP  

A convoy guard works out at a gym on April 19. Photo: CFP

 

The convoy guards have to register every firearm and bullet before heading out for work each day. Photo: CFP

 

Two guards carrying a case walk through crowds while covered by an armed teammate. Photo: CFP  

Wearing bullet-proof vests, carrying automatic rifles, and keeping the eyes peeled while other people move cases of cash out of a bank to a special carrier truck: It's all part of a normal day in the life of a cash convoy guard.

But there's much more behind the scenes in the lives of the men who do this tough job.

A squad of 141 convoy guards, from Guizhou Weizhen Armed Convoy Co, is in charge of securing the transportation of banknotes for hundreds of outlets of a major bank in Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou Province.

Five people are assigned to a convoy vehicle, including a driver, two carriers who take care of the cash, and two armed guards in charge of the safety of the vehicle and the goods inside.

Due to strict protocols, getting money in or out of a bank is not the most dangerous part of the process. When the banknote carrier vehicles are on their way, the convoy guards remain as alert as ever.

Carrier trucks are relatively safe while on the move. But as soon as the truck is forced to stop - for example, at a red light or in a traffic jam - the guards' nerves are on edge.

"Anything could happen at this time," said Zeng Yang, leader of a five-member convoy team.

However, no matter how busy a road gets, they will still follow the designated route, as a GPS alarm system is set off once a banknote carrier deviates from its set path. Only after reporting to headquarters and getting official authorization can a carrier change its route.

During the move, convoy members are not allowed to smoke or make phone calls. The only person allowed to use a phone is the team leader, and only to contact headquarters.

Guards are also forbidden to ask what is inside the cases. "It's the biggest challenge for a new guy in our team, as he may get nervous if he knows there is a large amount of money inside, and can't help wondering if robbers are targeting this vehicle," said Zeng.

To be employed as a convoy guard, a person has to be physically and mentally strong. In the event of an emergency, they should be ready to guard the vehicle and cases with their lives, Zeng said.

For years, there have been no robbery cases in Guiyang. However, reports of banknote carriers being attacked in other cities do come out now and then.

Each time this happens, the convoy company will summon all guards and tell them to be on higher alert on their job.